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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 3/2009

01-06-2009 | Review

Bench-to-bedside review: Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in adults

Authors: Benedict C Creagh-Brown, Mark JD Griffiths, Timothy W Evans

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 3/2009

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Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous mediator of vascular tone and host defence. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) results in preferential pulmonary vasodilatation and lowers pulmonary vascular resistance. The route of administration delivers NO selectively to ventilated lung units so that its effect augments that of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and improves oxygenation. This 'Bench-to-bedside' review focuses on the mechanisms of action of iNO and its clinical applications, with emphasis on acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Developments in our understanding of the cellular and molecular actions of NO may help to explain the hitherto disappointing results of randomised controlled trials of iNO.
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Metadata
Title
Bench-to-bedside review: Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in adults
Authors
Benedict C Creagh-Brown
Mark JD Griffiths
Timothy W Evans
Publication date
01-06-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 3/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc7734

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